Philadelphia Union II Midfielder Kyler Tucker and Academy defender Frank Westfield have been named captains for the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro, the club announced today. Tucker becomes the first official captain of Union II in its MLS NEXT Pro season.
“Kyle and Frankie both embody a lot of the values that we have as a club,” Union II Head Coach Marlon LeBlanc said.
“They are two local kids who understand the culture and nature of the club. When you watch them at training every single day, they roll up their sleeves, put their heads down and outwork everyone. When it came time to decide who should set examples for the young first team players that will get minutes with us along with the Union II signed players and members from Philadelphia Union Academy, Kyle and Frankie were no doubt players that everyone should look to embody.”
Tucker, 24, joined Union II last July and made 12 appearances for the club. During his 650 minutes of MLS NEXT Pro action, the Drexel University graduate made six starts and placed seven shots on target to help the team advance to the MLS NEXT Pro postseason.
“It’s a great honor to represent Union II as captain for this upcoming season and to lead so many young, talented players that have bright futures ahead of them,” Tucker said. “Being a local kid who grew up watching the Union and even attending the first Union match to where I am today is just a dream. First and foremost, you have to lead by example and as a leader in order to push others, you need to show the level that is expected here at the club. Holding high standards first for myself and for everyone else around me will help us grow together as a team.”
Westfield, 18, will serve as Vice Captain as he enters his third season with Union II as an amateur from Philadelphia Union Academy.
“Frankie is Philadelphia and is one of a few that have gone through every single rung of the Union Pathway. He is blue collared and wears his heart on his sleeve and has gotten an opportunity to run this pathway and develop. He’s now a locked down starter with this team as he enters his third season with Union II and progressively gets better every year. What you don’t see is how much he lives for the Union colors because he’s been cheering on the team since he was little and he fully embodies our club’s values,” LeBlanc said.
Over the past two seasons he has made 46 appearances and 41 starts. During his debut season in 2022, Westfield lead the Union II’s amateur players with 1,504 minutes and contributed three assists. Last season Westfield played over 2,100 minutes of MLS NEXT Pro action and was named MLS NEXT Pro Rising Star of the Matchday after scoring his first-ever goal for Union II.
“I can’t say enough good things about Frankie and he’s been around even longer than I have. When I came in last year, he helped me so much and he too holds very high standards in training. He’s not afraid to challenge anybody and makes sure that the level is high. I’m very excited for him to help lead the team,” Tucker said.
Philadelphia Union II opens its 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season on Sunday, March 17th, against Toronto FC II. Kick off from Subaru Park is set for 3PM ET and will be broadcast on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
